Steven Souza Jr. (pictured above) connected for a two-run single to erase a 1-0 deficit, highlighting Mesa’a three-run 6th. Souza also walked and played right field, where he made two putouts. Limited to two games a week as a taxi squad player, the 1-for-3 effort pushed his average to .364 (4-for-11) and a walk maintained his .500 on-base pct. Our Arizona correspondent/photographer Lee Magenheim caught up with the 24-y.o. outfielder after the game:http://nationalsprospects.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Steven-Susa.m4a

Brian Goodwin and Adrian Nieto also saw game action, with the centerfielder going 1-for-4 with a stolen base from the leadoff spot and the catcher going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts out of the No. 8 slot in the lineup. Goodwin made one putout, while Nieto had an assist and nine putouts.

Richie Mirowski made his second appearance, retiring the side in order in the 7th on ten pitches and finishing off the frame with a strikeout for his second hold.

The win improves Mesa to 6-0-1 and opens up a 4½ game lead in the AFL East. Matt Purke is set to take the hill tonight at home against Peoria.

I don’t drill down to that granular level, though Potomac is once I could… Mirowski was one of those either/or relievers but not the kind with blow-you-away stuff. Early in the season, he got lit up a lot — which was quite noticeable because it was in the 9th — but later on, not so much.

Best debut: Johansen and Voth
Best athlete: Ballou (compared him to former MLBer Fred Lewis)
Closest to majors: Johansen and Voth
Best pick: Ballou and Masters (both have solid chance to make a MLB roster which would be rare for 14th and 15th round picks)